Something’s happening here. What it is ain’t exactly clear

My recent trip to Dungeness Spit was nearly idyllic except for a couple of moments. As we were walking along the beach listening to the sound of waves lapping the shore, I heard a funny “buzzing” sound and could not figure where it was coming from since I could not see anyone in sight. Finally, I looked up and saw what I thought was a small airplane flying overhead. Leslie said “drone,” but at first I didn’t believe her.

drone

She was right, a drone was following us, or at least the shoreline as we walked. I didn’t mind that as much as I would have minded a helicopter flying low overhead, but it still creeped me out.

It wasn’t long before a Coast Guard boat came around the point, going somewhere at full blast.

Coast Guard Patrol

Perhaps I should be reassured our government is so vigilant. I’m not. Combined with recent stories of Homeland Security clashes with locals in Forks and nearby areas, I wonder if this heightened security is either good or necessary.

Leslie worries that the government knows of threats that would justify these measures but won’t tell the public because we might become too worried. I worry we’re quickly becoming a police state where our every move is monitored out of fear that we might “step out of line.” And more and more, I feel like “stepping out of line” to save some small part of this planet for my grandkids and great grandkids.

Most of all, I worry I might have something in common in with the Right Wing crazies that I despise.

6 thoughts on “Something’s happening here. What it is ain’t exactly clear”

  1. I am with you. Back when Bush started the war with Iraq after 9/11 my husband and I thought maybe he knew something we didn’t know. Turns out it wasn’t the case, it was just hyped up on purpose for Cheney’s and his own reasons. So I am thinking yes, this is creepy.

  2. I don’t think you’re ready for the crazies.

    I know the government has been running tests and training, trying to figure out how drones can be used for something other than war.

    http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/uas/

    I think drones would be good use for spotting water pollution, and helping the CG find a sinking boat or lost swimmers.

    Cool pic, Loren.

  3. the people need their own drones to keep the supreme court five from ending democracy. kjm

  4. Interesting — I looked at the drone and the following boat, and figured somebody was in trouble, had radioed the Coast Guard, and help was on the way.
    Perception is influenced by attitude, eh?

    1. I’m sure it is, but If that were the case there should have been helicopters flying overhead since that’s the standard approach around here. I know that from the number of Coast Guard helicopters regularly flying over our house.

      Drones are new, just like the submarine hunters we see up here are relatively new. I suspect they’re guarding the submarine nuclear warheads that are supposed to be stored across the harbor from Port Townsend, the ones the government won’t comment on.

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